Mexico volcano set for fresh blasts

Authorities say another eruption is coming

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano, whose eruptions earlier this week forced the evacuation of some 30,000 people, is probably spending two days of calm building up to a fresh round of blasts, officials said on Thursday.

According to Roberto Quass, director of Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Centre (Cenapred), the new eruptions could come at any time.

"We're in a phase where the volcano is rebuilding energy and it will certainly release either Friday or Saturday," he said.

The snow-capped 5,452m (17,884 foot) mountain, located some 60km (40 miles) from Mexico City, was spitting showers of molten rock and flames on Monday and Tuesday, in its most violent activity in decades.

But on Wednesday and Thursday all appeared calm, with only occasional plumes of smoke and ash being released.

"The party's not yet over," Mr Quass warned, referring to the volcano's activity, which has captivated the nation.

He said that the volcano has built up a dome inside its crater containing some 19 million cubic meters (670 million cubic feet) of lava, of which only about 1% had been expelled in this week's eruptions.

Eager to return home

Officials have advised evacuees to remain in camps serviced by disaster relief officials and the Mexican army.

But many local residents are eager to return to their homes.

Evacuees want to return home

"I am desperate because my corn and beans are going to be lost and my pigs, my chickens and burros could die or be stolen if I don't look after them," said evacuee Antonio Gallego, 71.

The government has refused requests by some 30,000 people to return home and has prohibited any travel within 13km (eight miles) of the volcano.

Residents from the nearby towns of San Nicolas and Santiago Xalizintla have been allowed to return home just once, under police protection, to care for their animals and check on their homes.